Mark 7:8
Verse
Context
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Washing of pots and cups, etc. - This whole clause is wanting in BL, five others, and the Coptic: one MS. omits this and the whole of the ninth verse. The eighth verse is not found in the parallel place of Mat 15:7-9.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For laying aside the commandment of God,.... Meaning not any particular commandment, but all the commandments of God, the whole written law; to which they preferred the oral law, or the traditions of the elders, and the decisions of their doctors. So the Syriac, Arabic, Persic, and Ethiopic versions read, "the commandments of God". Ye hold the tradition of men: very significantly are the elders, whom the, Jews revered, and whose traditions and constitutions they extolled above the Scriptures, called "men", in distinction from "God", whose commands they neglected; which exposes and aggravates their sin, that they should leave the one, which had the stamp of divine authority on them, and hold the other, which were only the devices of men's brains; as the washing of pots and cups. The Arabic version adds, "and vessels", from Mar 7:4, and the Ethiopic version, between "chalices" and "cups", places "monies"; as if they also contracted uncleanness in some cases, and needed washing: and indeed, there is a tradition to this purpose (p), , "a penny which is rejected" (that is, as the commentators say (q), which a kingdom or province has made void, or which wants weight), if any one prepares it to hang about the neck of a child, it is "unclean"; and so a "sela" (which was the value of four pence) and it is prepared to weigh with it, is "unclean".'' And many other such like things you do; so many, that it is almost endless to reckon up. The treatise "Celim", or "of vessels", in the Misna, is full of rules, concerning the cleanness and uncleanness, of almost all things in use with men; and so of what do, and what do not stand in need of washing. And these things they did, not according to the commandment of God, nor did they pretend to it; but according to the words of the Scribes, and traditions of the elders, which reached to all sorts of vessels: their rule is this (r); "vessels made of wood, and of skin, and of bone, and of glass, if they are plain, they are clean; but if they are hollow, (or made to hold things,) they are liable to pollution.'' Which Maimonides (s) explains thus; "vessels of wood, and of skin, and of bone, if hollow, receive defilement from the words of the law; but if they are plain, as tables, a seat, a skin on which they eat, they do not receive defilement, but, , "from the words of the Scribes".'' And this washing of vessels, not only concerned such as were for private use, but the vessels of the sanctuary: so it is said (t); "after a feast, at the close of a good day, or festival, "they dip all the vessels in the sanctuary"; because the "common people" have "touched" them at the feast, in the time of keeping it: wherefore they say, touch not the table (the showbread table), when they show it to them that come up to the feast, that it may not be defiled by touching it; and if after the feast, it is found (polluted), it must be dipped and all the vessels are obliged to immersion, excepting the golden altar, and the altar of brass.'' So that our Lord might well say, "and many such like things ye do". (p) Misn. Celim, c. 12. sect. 7. (q) Jarchi & Battenora in ib. (r) Misn. Celim, c. 2. sect. 1. (s) Hilch. Celim, c. 1. sect. 10. (t) Maimon. Hilch. Mishcab Umoshab, c. 11. sect. 11.
Mark 7:8
The Tradition of the Elders
7They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’ 8You have disregarded the commandment of God to keep the tradition of men. ”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Excerpt) the Great Falling Away
By Milton Green3.0K04:31Falling AwayMAT 15:3MRK 7:8MRK 7:13REV 12:17REV 14:12In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of the falling away from the faith in the last days. He criticizes the church for prioritizing their traditions over the commandments of God. He refers to this church as a poor harlot-bablin church that glorifies and boasts in worldly achievements. The preacher emphasizes the importance of holding to the testimony of Jesus and following the commandments of God, rather than teaching the opinions of men.
Traditions vs Commandments
By Chuck Smith1.4K37:01JER 35:15EZK 33:11MRK 7:8This sermon from Jeremiah chapter 35 and Mark's Gospel chapter 7 emphasizes the dangers of prioritizing man-made traditions over God's commandments. It highlights the importance of turning from evil, amending our ways, and avoiding the worship of other gods. The message stresses God's mercy and desire for repentance, contrasting the consequences of sin with the blessings of obedience.
Jesus Teaches About Inner Purity Mark 7:1-23
By David Servant01SA 16:7MAT 15:3MAT 23:23MRK 7:8LUK 11:42ROM 14:171CO 6:19GAL 5:1COL 2:8David Servant preaches about the danger of exalting man-made traditions above God's laws, using the example of the Pharisees who prioritized their traditions over God's commandments, leading to disobedience and hypocrisy. He highlights how some churches today fall into the same trap, focusing on rituals and traditions while neglecting true repentance and following Jesus. Jesus emphasized that what truly matters to God is a person's actions and words, not external practices like dietary restrictions. He urges Christians to prioritize spiritual growth and obedience to God's standards of holiness over man-made rules and traditions.
Pharisees Value Their Traditions More Than God's Word
By Zac Poonen0Tradition vs. ScriptureLove for OthersMRK 7:8Zac Poonen emphasizes that the Pharisees prioritized their traditions over God's Word, as highlighted in Mark 7:9, where Jesus accuses them of neglecting and invalidating God's commandments. He challenges the congregation to reflect on their own lives, questioning whether their traditions have taken precedence over their love for God and fellow believers. Poonen warns that if one values traditions more than the teachings of Christ, they risk becoming like the Pharisees, who were criticized for their hypocrisy and lack of genuine love. The sermon calls for a reevaluation of personal beliefs and practices to ensure they align with God's Word rather than human traditions.
Traditions of the Elders
By Charles Finney0The Power of the GospelTradition vs. CommandmentMAT 15:6MRK 7:8Charles Finney addresses the dangers of adhering to human traditions that undermine God's commandments, emphasizing how the Pharisees' oral traditions rendered the law of God ineffective. He illustrates that these traditions often distort the true nature of God's moral law, leading to self-righteousness and a misunderstanding of the necessity of atonement. Finney warns that such traditions can blind individuals to their need for repentance and the transformative power of the gospel. He calls for a return to the pure teachings of Scripture, free from human interpretations that dilute the truth. Ultimately, he urges believers to recognize the importance of obedience to God's law as a reflection of genuine faith.
Foes and Conflicts
By Harris Franklin Rall0MAT 10:34MAT 12:22MRK 2:23MRK 3:31MRK 7:8LUK 4:16Harris Franklin Rall delves into the paradoxes in Jesus' life, where despite his message of love and goodwill, he faced conflicts that deepened until his death. These conflicts stemmed from his different approach to religion, focusing on inner spirit and service rather than outward forms and rules. Jesus' teachings clashed with the Pharisees' legalism and hypocrisy, leading to misunderstandings, opposition, and ultimately his crucifixion. His call for supreme allegiance and willingness to break earthly ties for the sake of the kingdom of God is highlighted in his interactions with family and friends.
"Ye Leave the Commandment of God, and Hold Fast the Tradition of Men" Mar 7:8
By G. Campbell Morgan0True Obedience to GodTradition vs. CommandmentMRK 7:8G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the conflict between the commandments of God and the traditions of men, as illustrated in Mark 7:8-9. He critiques the Pharisees for prioritizing human traditions over divine commandments, highlighting how such practices can lead to a departure from true obedience to God. Morgan argues that traditions, while often well-intentioned, can obscure the law of God and hinder genuine spiritual growth. He calls for a return to direct fellowship with God, free from the constraints of human interpretations and traditions. Ultimately, he encourages believers to embrace the freedom found in Christ, which transcends the limitations of tradition.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Washing of pots and cups, etc. - This whole clause is wanting in BL, five others, and the Coptic: one MS. omits this and the whole of the ninth verse. The eighth verse is not found in the parallel place of Mat 15:7-9.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For laying aside the commandment of God,.... Meaning not any particular commandment, but all the commandments of God, the whole written law; to which they preferred the oral law, or the traditions of the elders, and the decisions of their doctors. So the Syriac, Arabic, Persic, and Ethiopic versions read, "the commandments of God". Ye hold the tradition of men: very significantly are the elders, whom the, Jews revered, and whose traditions and constitutions they extolled above the Scriptures, called "men", in distinction from "God", whose commands they neglected; which exposes and aggravates their sin, that they should leave the one, which had the stamp of divine authority on them, and hold the other, which were only the devices of men's brains; as the washing of pots and cups. The Arabic version adds, "and vessels", from Mar 7:4, and the Ethiopic version, between "chalices" and "cups", places "monies"; as if they also contracted uncleanness in some cases, and needed washing: and indeed, there is a tradition to this purpose (p), , "a penny which is rejected" (that is, as the commentators say (q), which a kingdom or province has made void, or which wants weight), if any one prepares it to hang about the neck of a child, it is "unclean"; and so a "sela" (which was the value of four pence) and it is prepared to weigh with it, is "unclean".'' And many other such like things you do; so many, that it is almost endless to reckon up. The treatise "Celim", or "of vessels", in the Misna, is full of rules, concerning the cleanness and uncleanness, of almost all things in use with men; and so of what do, and what do not stand in need of washing. And these things they did, not according to the commandment of God, nor did they pretend to it; but according to the words of the Scribes, and traditions of the elders, which reached to all sorts of vessels: their rule is this (r); "vessels made of wood, and of skin, and of bone, and of glass, if they are plain, they are clean; but if they are hollow, (or made to hold things,) they are liable to pollution.'' Which Maimonides (s) explains thus; "vessels of wood, and of skin, and of bone, if hollow, receive defilement from the words of the law; but if they are plain, as tables, a seat, a skin on which they eat, they do not receive defilement, but, , "from the words of the Scribes".'' And this washing of vessels, not only concerned such as were for private use, but the vessels of the sanctuary: so it is said (t); "after a feast, at the close of a good day, or festival, "they dip all the vessels in the sanctuary"; because the "common people" have "touched" them at the feast, in the time of keeping it: wherefore they say, touch not the table (the showbread table), when they show it to them that come up to the feast, that it may not be defiled by touching it; and if after the feast, it is found (polluted), it must be dipped and all the vessels are obliged to immersion, excepting the golden altar, and the altar of brass.'' So that our Lord might well say, "and many such like things ye do". (p) Misn. Celim, c. 12. sect. 7. (q) Jarchi & Battenora in ib. (r) Misn. Celim, c. 2. sect. 1. (s) Hilch. Celim, c. 1. sect. 10. (t) Maimon. Hilch. Mishcab Umoshab, c. 11. sect. 11.